nucleareurope discusses economic and social impact of nuclear at ENEN Annual Meeting
On 6 March 2025, nucleareurope Director General Emmanuel Brutin participated in a panel discussion on pathways to develop the talent pipeline for the nuclear industry, in the framework of the Brussels-held European Nuclear Education Network (ENEN) Annual Meeting. The event gathered industry representatives, policymakers and academia to reflect on developments in the nuclear sector, and explore the question of skills and talent mobilisation.
In his intervention, Emmanuel noted the current contributions of nuclear to the EU’s economy, and outlined potential scenarios for the development of nuclear capacity in Europe. He highlighted that in view of recently published National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) and national governments announcement, the aim of 150 Gigawatts (GW) of nuclear installed capacity by 2050 is reachable.
“Not only is it possible to reach 150 GW of nuclear installed capacity in the EU by 2050, but it would also bring considerable benefits for the European energy system. As highlighted in the recently released pathways to 2050 report, more nuclear will lead to faster decarbonisation, more affordable energy, increased security of supply and greater industrial competitiveness.” stated Emmanuel, adding that an increase in nuclear capacity will also support jobs and growth in Europe.
Announcing the upcoming publication of a study – drafted by Deloitte on behalf of nucleareurope – on the economic and social impacts of nuclear in Europe, Emmanuel presented some key figures that highlight nuclear’s contributions to European competitiveness. He noted that in 2023, for each GW of nuclear installed capacity, over 2 billion euros were generated and 8 thousand jobs were sustained. He added that in a scenario of 150GW of nuclear installed capacity by 2050, the economic and social impacts of nuclear will expand further, with the nuclear industry continuing to play a key role in supporting European competitiveness.
Concluding his intervention, Emmanuel stressed that both the current and projected economic and social benefits of nuclear are strong, but that for the industry to develop, EU policies need to support access to finance, skills mobilisation and a strong supply chain within a technologically neutral legal framework.